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FACT SHEET #1 B.C. COALITION TO ELIMINATE ABUSE OF SENIORS FACT SHEET #1

DEFINITION OF ABUSE TO SENIORS

Abuse means an action, or deliberate behaviour, by a person(s) in a position of trust, such as an adult child, family member, friend or care-giver, that causes an adult:

(a) Physical, emotional or mental harm

- or -

(b) Damage to, or loss of, assets or property.

This includes:

• threats
• intimidation
• humiliation
• physical assault
• sexual assault
• over/under-medication
• withholding medication
• censoring mail
• invasion or denial of privacy
• denial of access to visitors

The main reason for abuse is the use of power and control by one person over another. In cases of financial abuse the abuser has a false sense of entitlement to the senior’s money or possessions. Systems can also be abusive.

A relationship is abusive when a set of behaviours is used by a person(s) to establish dominance and control over another person.

One in every twelve seniors (8%) in British Columbia experiences abuse.

 

TYPES OF ABUSE

PHYSICAL ABUSE:

  • Any act(s) of violence or rough treatment causing injury or physical
    discomfort. May include the use of restraints.

PSYCHOLOGICAL OR EMOTIONAL ABUSE:

  • Any act, including confinement, isolation, verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, infantilization, or any other treatment which diminishes the
    sense of identity, dignity, and self-worth.

FINANCIAL ABUSE OR EXPLOITATION:

  • The misuse of a senior’s funds and assets; obtaining property and
    funds without that person’s knowledge and full consent, or in the case
    of a senior who is not competent, not representing or acting in that person’s best interest.

SEXUAL ABUSE:

  • Any sexual behaviour directed towards a senior without that person’s full knowledge and consent: e.g., sexual assault, sexual harassment, or use of pornography.

MEDICATION ABUSE:

  • Misuse of a senior’s medication and prescriptions, including withholding medication and over-medication.

VIOLATION OF CIVIL/HUMAN RIGHTS:

  • Denial of a senior’s fundamental rights (according to legislation, the
    Charter of Rights and Freedoms, or the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights)
    e.g., withholding of information; denial of privacy; denial of visitors;
    restriction of liberty; or mail censorship.

NEGLECT/SELF NEGLECT:

  • Intentional withholding of basic necessities of care (active neglect) or not providing basic necessities or care because of lack of experience, information, or ability (passive neglect). Self-neglect occurs and can result in malnutrition or dehydration. Unsanitary or unsafe surroundings are often caused by self-neglect and can lead to illness or injury.

FACT SHEET #1 B.C. COALITION TO ELIMINATE ABUSE OF SENIORS FACT SHEET #1 333 - 6TH STREET - NEW WESTMINSTER, BC V3L 3A9
Telephone: (604) 521-1235
Fax: (604) 515-0201
FUNDED BY:
THE LEON AND THEA KOERNER FOUNDATION AND THE HAMBER FOUNDATION

 

Read other fact sheets in this series:

 

This page last updated October 25, 2000.
Copyright (c) 1996 BC Institute Against Family Violence.